As AI tech is improving, we have been fielding questions from parents and occasionally educators about whether it’s still relevant for children to learn how to code. After all, does ChatGPT not write good code? So we did some research to
- Provide factual answers on this topic (because our personal and professional opinion is not always enough)
- Check if perhaps we should consider quitting our jobs teaching kids coding, sell TechSpark to the highest bidder and learn how to trade crypto instead 😉
Lucky for us, the research is overwhelmingly in our favour and our TechSpark jobs are safe. So then, let’s debunk this ‘No Need to Learn Coding’ myth!
Let’s face it, the whole “robots are taking over” thing can be a bit nerve-wracking. Images of rogue toasters and scary warning messages from ‘The AI Dilemma” (1) haunt your subconsciousness. But before you pack your bags and head for New Zealand (2) (with your trusty carrier pigeon, of course), let’s try to dissect this issue.
Because while AI might be getting fancy, there’s a crucial skill your child absolutely needs to navigate this brave new world: coding
Table of Contents
Why the “Don’t Code” Crowd Needs a Reality Check
- AI Isn’t Stealing Your Kid’s Coding Job (Yet): Experts like Erik Brynjolfsson, co-director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, believe AI will automate boring stuff, not the creative problem-solving and human-centred design that good programmers bring to the table (3) . Think of AI as the sous-chef, prepping the ingredients, while your kid’s the master chef whipping up the five-star code. Sure, ChatGPT can write decent snippets of code when given very precise instructions but how are you going to implement it if you don’t know what it means or does.
- Soft Skills Are Superpowers, Not Just Code: Learning to code isn’t just about memorising lines of gibberish (though it can sound that way sometimes). It’s about building critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – the kind that make employers swoon, no matter the profession. As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Meta Platforms, highlights, these skills are highly sought after in the tech industry. (4)
But Coding Bootcamps? So 2023!
Okay, maybe specific coding languages will change faster than your teenager’s fashion sense. But the core concepts – like understanding how technology works – are timeless. Think of it like learning a new language (one that robots might understand someday). This way, your child can adapt to new technologies quicker than a chameleon changes colours. As Mitch Resnick, Director of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab (5), states, coding literacy provides a foundation for understanding technology across disciplines.
The Real Reason Your Kid Needs Coding Skills (Besides Bragging Rights)
Here’s the kicker: coding isn’t just about using technology, it’s about understanding it. As AI becomes more complex, a future workforce with coding skills will be like superheroes with the power to:
- Make Sure AI Doesn’t Turn Evil: By understanding how AI algorithms work, your child can help ensure they’re built ethically and don’t decide to, you know, enslave humanity (source: Gary Marcus, author of “Rebooting AI,” warns of potential biases in AI). Coding empowers them to be responsible stewards of this technology.
- Become AI Whisperers: No tech is perfect, and AI is no exception. Coding skills will allow your child to troubleshoot and fix AI glitches, basically becoming the tech support hotline for robots. Think of them as the robot whisperers, the robot wranglers, the robot… well, you get the idea.
The Bottom Line: Coding is the Future (and the Present, Too)
In today’s world, understanding technology is like knowing how to ride a bike (except hopefully with fewer scrapes). Coding equips your child to be not just a consumer of tech, but a creator and innovator. Plus, it’ll give them something cool to brag about at school besides their amazing Roblox skills.
Looking for Something Different?
If coding isn’t your child’s jam, no worries! There are tons of other ways to explore the tech world:
- Robotics and Automation: Build robots that do your chores! Try TechSpark Robotics course (We can’t guarantee a robot vacuum cleaner but a claw to pick up floor-laundry is a good start)
- Digital Design and Animation: Unleash their inner animator with cool tools like MIT’s Scratch and see what your child can create with Animation & Game Design course. (Warning: may lead to an obsession with creating dancing cats)
- Cybersecurity and Online Safety: Become a digital detective and learn how white-hat hackers operate with this Hacker Mode course. (Let’s face it, the internet can be a scary place)
So ditch the fear of robots, embrace the future, and get your child excited about exploring the world of technology! After all, who knows, they might just be the one to invent the next life-changing app (or robot vacuum cleaner that actually works). And hey, maybe they’ll even be the one to develop the ethical guidelines that ensure AI remains our helpful partner, not our overlord!
The Future of Work: Not Just About Coding, But About Creativity and Collaboration
While coding is a valuable skill, it’s important to remember it’s not the only key to success in the digital age. As automation increases, the jobs of the future will likely require a blend of human and technological skills. Here’s where creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking come in – all of which are fostered through effective coding education.
Think of it this way: coding is like learning musical notes. But to truly create a masterpiece, you also need the artistry and collaboration to turn those notes into a symphony.
So, should your child learn to code? Absolutely! It’s a valuable skill that sets them up for success in a rapidly changing world. But remember, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Encourage their creativity, nurture their problem-solving skills, and teach them the importance of collaboration. With this well-rounded skillset, your child will be well on their way to becoming a leader and innovator in the exciting world of technology, robots or not!
Useful Info:
If you want a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ view of how your kids are already using AI (outside of homework assignments) join our parent webinars with Allison Ochs
Just FYI – Coding Camps are still COOL, especially at TechSpark.
TL;DR
AI needs human guidance and guardians. Plus, your kids need to know how to fix your AI powered walking stick when you are old. So here’s why learning to code is as important as ever:
- Brainpower Boost: Sharpen your child’s problem-solving skills.
- Beginner-Friendly: Coding isn’t rocket science – easier than you think.
- Tech Whisperer: Empower kids to unravel the mysteries of the machines that run the world.
- Code your dreams: Let your child build anything they imagine, without stepping on their Legos!
- Future-Proof your kid’s career: Coding skills are valuable assets in a tech-driven world
- Coding benefits everyone: Marketers, Scientists, Everyone Wins!
Join Parent Webinar on 5.06.2024 to find out how your kids are tormenting teachers with AI tools. Get your kids out of the house during the school holidays for some productive screen-time and play-time at TechSpark camps. We guarantee to return them smarter!
- The Ai Dilemma (https://youtu.be/xoVJKj8lcNQ?si=hw97kgIoUhBk2Rud)
- Billionaire prepare for apocalypse (https://www.thefuturescentre.org/signal/billionaires-buying-up-new-zealand-property-in-preparation-for-apocalypse/)
- Race Against Machine (https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Against-Machine/dp/B000025SZ1)
- Sheryl Sandberg Article (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/18/sheryl-sandberg-leave-board-facebook-meta)
- Lifelong Kindergarten (https://www.media.mit.edu/groups/lifelong-kindergarten/overview/)
